How to Walk with a Cane... the RIGHT Way

[@HerMuffiness]

I have been using a cane regularly (arthritis) for about five years now but nobody ever showed me whether or not I was using it correctly. This has been very helpful😊

[@yourPTguy]

Mari, I'm so glad it's been helpful. You can also check out my other cane video which talks about using a cane when the leg is hurting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqSkgWaJh92Ghas Stay safe

[@shirleydelasalas9762]

Sometimes but not often I almost trip on my cane.

[@stephenwilliams1824]

Being right handed, I get a better, stronger grip and support with stick in my right hand. But, it is my left leg that was damaged in a motorcycle accident. Using the stick in my left hand to support the left leg is weaker and wobbles a bit.

[@LLjean-qz7sb]

Was hoping you would have indicated which side to put the cane on, in relation to your injury or condition ! Otherwise, very useful, information!

[@yourPTguy]

LLjean, thank you for the suggestion! It's a topic that a lot of people do have a hard time seeing why the cane should be in the opposite hand that someone's injury or condition is. By the way - have you ever seen the show "House"? He had it in the wrong hand but then after filming some shows, they just went with it. Thank you for the suggestion again, I'll be sure to cover that in a future video.

[@LLjean-qz7sb]

@@yourPTguy I used to watch House but never noticed it at the time! God Bless! (Physical therapy is such an underrated profession and so necessary!)

[@judymyers6832]

@@yourPTguy 我

[@rtopalovich]

And proper length in relation to height.

[@helmijohnson5079]

@@rtopalovich Cane hand grip should be at your wrist height. Instructions that comes with a new Cane should also tell you that. I use my Cane on Right side.My injury is on Left side.

[@JohnnyWrongo-b9l]

I have not needed the waking stick until recently. After a couple of days of thinking it useless I saw a video of a physiotherapist demonstrating the correct method. Instantly my stick became a real assistance and my knee did sigh with joy. I mention that only as encouragement if you are having pain or soreness. This make a huge difference.

[@yourPTguy]

Johnathon, thank you for your encouragement and I'm so glad it helped you get some relief! Every little bit helps! Stay independent and stay safe 😊

[@jerelynjereowen1951]

Thank you for making this video. I use a quad cane during the day and a hemi walker a night. I suffered a massive stroke a year ago and my right side is affected.

[@stephenperretti8847]

Hi PT Guy... I'm 77 years old. I'm facing a double hip replacement in the next thirty days. No date set yet; they are checking various health points to declare me at "optimal health". If I fall below the standard they will do one hip at a time. Hoping for both in one surgery. I've been walking with a cane for a couple of years. I didn't know how at first. But, through trial and error, I figured it out. Amazing of amazing, each of the techniques you suggest are what I've been doing. I put the can ahead of me then step the opposite foot then catch up and so on. It's more complicated than it sounds with two bad hips. But, it works. I almost fell once by kicking my cane. Gee, I've been so conscientious of where I place the cane ever since!! Your advice is spot on. I watched your video on walkers. I'm certain that it will come in handy during rehab. Keep well, good sir. You're providing an important service.

[@yourPTguy]

Stephen, thank you for your thoughtful comments and feedback. I LOVE that the cane techniques are the same ones you figured out after trial and error! It's not rocket science, sometimes we just have to have a little help to figure it out. And once we do, it's hard to forget it. Double hip replacements (and knees!) can be tough but many who opt for the double say they are so glad they did them at the same time. Knees are "usually" harder than hips because they're usually more painful. If you want to get a laugh out of your surgeon beforehand, ask him if he has a coupon for a Buy-One-Get-One-Free Hip replacement 😉. He'll remember you I'm sure and be happy to do excellent work on your hips. I'd love to know how it goes. Keep up the great work and be safe sir.

[@annieyue9184]

Thank you for your clear and useful instructions!

[@bobketteringham4779]

Thank you. I wish someone taught me this earlier.

[@yourPTguy]

Bob, I'm glad it helped out! I'll keep trying to educate through more videos so we can all strive for moving better and staying independent.

[@bettycapps]

You should have included the height of the cane and if you have a leg a hurt/painful leg, which side of body should be.

[@helmijohnson5079]

Hold Cane on opposite side of the injury Hand hold even with wrist.

[@yourPTguy]

Betty, the cane handle should be level with your wrist. As for which side of the body, it depends on a few factors. For most people however, the cane should be on the opposite side of the hurt leg. My other cane video may help you see why: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqSkgWaJh92Ghas

[@joanhoffman3702]

Thank you so much! I discovered my cane was way too high, and adjusted it down. For once, the KZbin algorithm recommended a channel that helps!

[@billsett]

Another very good video, but I agree with another comment: Add something about which side to have the cane on relative to an injured leg or hip, for example. I had a meniscus tear and "all of a sudden" needed to use a cane for a period of time. It took me a while to understand that the cane goes on the side opposite from the injury, so as to avoid adding extra weight to the bad side when the other foot is lifted for walking. I hope that's right, but I think it is.

[@meon3wheels]

As someone with Congenital Hip Dysplasia, I have had to figure this out myself by necessity. Good job explaining the geometry of using a cane.

[@yourPTguy]

Karen, I'm glad you were able to figure out those tips by your own and your necessity! I bet you would be a great teacher for so many people out there. Have you thought about it?

[@patrickdial5810]

Thank you from Guyana from a 91years +. Very helpful.

[@myrtisthompson4783]

You tube

[@yourPTguy]

Patrick, wow Guyana! I'd love to travel there at some point. I'm glad it was helpful to you. Stay safe

[@tinksspixiedust]

That’s the info I got in PT. Determining the correct height for your cane is important, too.

[@yourPTguy]

Belles, I'm glad you had the info in PT- yay 😊 Yes, the correct height of the cane handle should be at one's wrist when they have the arm relaxed at the side.

[@jessiefuentes4245]

Thank you PT GUY,,am absolutely love using the cane because I am an amputee at my left leg,,,,Grateful for this info🙏

[@yourPTguy]

Jessie, you're most welcome! I'm so glad it's helpful. Some of my most favorite people to work with over the years have been amputees! They have been such an encouragement to me and can be so driven! It sounds like you are the same way! Thank you for the encouragement, and stay safe. 😊

[@quiet-x4h]

I appreciate this ….and have watched many times. I wonder if you have any information on the best canes to use, etc? I haven’t any info on that cane’s tiny base….but it would provide better support? What IS that tiny base on the cane and where do we find them in the marketplace. Thank you so much. You are a HUGE assistance for all things disability related!!

[@charlayned]

I have a brother who is a PT. He showed me how to walk with the cane turned around where the back is under my hand. That way it's a straight line from your shoulder down to the floor. On that 4-cups on the floor you have, my palm heel would be resting on the "notch" with my fingers wrapped on the longer part of the handle. It works for me, it's more stable.

[@yourPTguy]

That's an excellent visual. I love that. Thanks for sharing your tip. Stay safe and independent 😊

[@jillr.austin1103]

This is great. I might need Information in future

[@rubenrincon9536]

Thank you for showing me how to walk with a can

[@mariarevoy7775]

Appreciate you're demo so much ,thank you .

[@yourPTguy]

maria, thank you for your feedback again

[@samkitty5894]

Most people using the cane have leg/foot issue on one side, while the other side is fine. You should keep that in mind when suggesting how to use a cane in that scenario. You make it appear both legs are perfectly fine, which is never the case. If it was, no cane would be needed.

[@PlasmaCoolantLeak]

I have a hip overdue for replacement, and have been using a cane to help support me. I had no idea I was using it incorrectly! Thanks for this!

[@32a34a]

Before I was even given my cane they sent me into Kinesiology therapy. One reason why is I have no propioperception in my right leg and with my back issues it took me quite awhile to get walking properly so that when they gave me my cane I had some things nailed pretty quickly.

[@alfredsams9059]

Usefull. Please do one how to get up if one falls and there is no stick or chair to get up and no one to help

[@helmijohnson5079]

Hopefully you are not hurt when you fall. I had to pull myself over to something I could use to pull myself up. Good luck.

[@yourPTguy]

Alfred, thanks for the feedback and suggestion! I'll be working on creating a video or maybe a couple about falls in the future. 😊

[@rickiejacobs5910]

The triangle method might be good for people that walk slow. I be using the 2nd method to take a load off my bad hip. Also I can walk faster with the arm swing method.

[@keithfreitas2983]

I am right handed. When I got a left foot infection i used the cane on my right. When I had an attack of gout on my right foot I used my cane on my right. Was real using comfortable using my left hand. Thank God the airlines have wheelchair / golf cart service to and from the aircraft.

[@sabine3769]

This video is so helpful

[@yourPTguy]

Sabine, thank you for your feedback and encouragement.

[@djmooncheeks1515]

I use the "triangle" method, except I describe it as turning your arm into a third leg. You have your "good" leg in the middle so that when you are walking, your bad leg and the cane go as a unit.

[@minabenkiritkumar3246]

Perfect demonstration.

[@yourPTguy]

Thanks!

[@kateclark7250]

Thank you for this advice

[@yourPTguy]

Thanks for your encouragement and feedback, Kate

[@mikeneale2459]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! WONDERFUL!

[@GraphicsGuru37]

Very helpful, as usual. 😊 Thank you.

[@maxtwdg7549]

Thank you! Help alot for old people like me.

[@22304abc]

Is there a difference between a cane or trekking pole? I'm traveling to Provence France and it's hilly, flat, and has steps without guardrails. Thanks for advice.

[@isaacjoffe4835]

lovely manner!!!!

[@Isobel201]

I have spinal and SI joint arthritis, sometimes using a cane is useful for me as gives me support when standing as well as walking, however I end up swapping sides as using the cane on one side for a long time just gives me more problems lol

[@yourPTguy]

That's smart thinking to balance out the body. Thank you for sharing the tip. Stay safe and independent 😊

[@LLewis-vu9qf]

Isobel-- I have a similar problem. If I walk with only one cane, eventually that hip will start to ache. Then I need to switch sides with the cane. I solved my situation by using two canes, one cane on each side, to relieve the ache in my hips. So far (5 years) it's been working well.

[@Sokx41]

Is there any difference when using the cane for balance but not for a bad/week knee? In otherwords using as a crutch vs just balance.

[@yourPTguy]

It would really depend on what's going on with the knee and what's going on with the balance. The only way to really get the best input is having a hands on evaluation from a physical therapist or orthopedist who can see the exact issue. Generally speaking, relieving the pain in the knee with the cane, will also help the balance at the same time though. The pain and weakness can throw off the balance. So if one is able to alleviate some of that pain or weakness, the balance will be improved. Sometimes people even use 2 canes for each hand just to get even more stability. When it gets to that point though, often it's easier to use a walker.

[@pedromarquez3889]

Very informative and makes sense

[@tess7228]

What leg is injured??

[@yourPTguy]

Hi tess. This video is basically for those who are placing their cane in their dominant hand who also have no real "injury" but they need just a touch point for balance. But you can check out my other cane video that goes over which hand to place it in if there is an injury or challenge with a particular leg: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqSkgWaJh92Ghas

[@Leslie_ann_h]

I've tried using canes... I don't feel stable with them because my forearm is left unsupported and my wrist all wobbly. Long story short, I opt to only use a forearm crutch if the need to offload is too severe to be covered with just my leg braces. Fortunately I have three additional levels of help before leg issues have me in bed- using both forearm crutches, using my rolling walker or my semi-custom wheelchair.

[@snookyrichards9519]

QUESTION??? How should I figure out the height of the cane?

[@helmijohnson5079]

The Cane hand grip should be wrist height as you are standing up rite.

[@yourPTguy]

Snooky, exactly as Helmi said before. The handle should be right at the wrist height as one is standing upright with a relaxed arm down at the side.

[@audreyslim3902]

The cane height should be the same as yr hip height next to the thigh

[@lornabergwerff2679]

What height is cane

[@helmijohnson5079]

Hand grip at wrist height!

[@DaveBartlett]

Reverse the position of the cane in your hand! (No not vertically of course!) Just rotate it so the inverted 'L' of the handle is facing forward rather than backward; that way, your hand is directly over the shaft of the cane, and your weight isn't pressing down on the open end of the handle. This ensures that the downward pressure from the arm holding it, (i.e. your weight,) is distributed directly down the shaft of the cane, thus giving you more support. Having it reversed as you had it, places the pressure from your arm down onto the handle alone, and not down through the cane. A little thing, I know, but you'll certainly feel the difference after walking a long distance (and your cane is much less likely to ever break under pressure on the handle!)

[@WandaBeasley-pi4hl]

Amazing i❤ this video helpful ok 😁🤓🙏

[@Dani-ICU-RN]

WHY does the rollator hurt my arms so much! Im an ICU RN,3 torn labrums,both hips ,shoulder, OA, etc.. Insurance wouldn't even cover a walker so I'm using my mom's rolling walker. I can get around slowly and a little bit enough to run into a store and get medicine but not enough to really get anywhere as I can't get the friggin Walker in the car if I'm by myself. Question is though is it too short I am 5 ft 9 it hurts my arms more than anything else hurts while I'm using it in spite of all of my injuries if you want to call him that.

[@SarieDuPlessis-d3w]

Hoe to walk with crutches after knee replacemment

[@Shazzadut1]

I use a cane for stability because I have spinal issues, scoliosis kyphosis, not an injury. So it’s not an opposite side to injury thing for me. I use it in my dominant right hand, and use the triangle method. In this case which side should I use the cane on? I have tried it left handed but it doesn’t feel comfortable or natural. Thanks.

[@garycarlisle7810]

You forgot to address the facing of the hook toward the front.

[@matthewjohnson6360]

I have known that 3 weeks shy of 18 years, Sister Kenny. I have used a wooden stick for 10 years +.

[@derekflegg2670]

Which leg is your bad leg? I'm righthanded with a bad left hip and I'm used to using a walking stick and holding it at about mid-chest height..

[@cindyrissal3628]

So, you place the cane on the opposite side from the injury? So it can help support you when the weak leg is on the ground?

[@michaellauletti6552]

Thanks I walk with a cane.and the you showed how u can trip with the cane has happened to me.luckely I didn't fall

[@yourPTguy]

Michael, I'm so thankful it helped show some of the tricky parts with a cane. I'm glad you're safe. Be well. 😊

[@clairepage8126]

The cane acts as another leg and your walk has a rythm to it.

[@katherinemoran9902]

all these years never knew about the triangles

[@iconoclad]

So which foot is crook in this example?

[@debbiescott6732]

I was shown the right way years ago. It never felt natural to me so I do it my way.

[@yourPTguy]

I'm glad you found a great way that helps 😊 Keep striving 😊

[@imanoldgeek]

If you don't have a problem with balance, but have a leg that won't readily support full weight, this is not a method that works. I've used a cane to overcome a very weak left leg for many years. I can stand easily, just can't support my entire weight on my left leg.

[@yourPTguy]

Marat, excellent point. Canes aren't meant to support the entire weight of a leg, that's for sure. Realistically, they can only "off load" about 10 to 15% of the body weight. If the leg is quite weak, additional strategies and even sometimes a second cane can be used for certain people. Even then, some have to use a walker until hopefully the leg can get a bit more strength back if possible. Thankfully, there are lots of techniques and devices out there that can help these days. You're an encouragement to me with all the effort over the many years. Please keep it up and stay safe, Marat. 😊

[@mikmik9034]

Natural walking with a stick? Why use a cane? Weak leg? Steps Up/Down?

[@yourPTguy]

Mik Mik, thanks for the suggestions. I'll keep working on creating some more 😊

[@overlord2057]

I yet to see videos related to stroke affected persons. Weakness in left leg and arm plasticity acquiring every forty seconds causing your leg to stiffen or not function at all loss of balance sometimes in mid stride. The only thing keeping you up right is a cane.

[@yourPTguy]

So tough! Strokes can affect a myriad of things and even the same type of stroke can affect individuals differently. That makes making videos for specific situations quite tough. The best thing as always is to make sure you're working with your doctor and therapist to ensure you have a specific individualized program that works for your situation. Stay safe 😊

[@charliepatterson9321]

I imagine it depends on how severe your ailment is . I use my cane in place of my leg . I have difficulty with pressure on my foot as I've just had surgery recently. I've had several surgeries and use it in different ways depending on my pain levels . Maybe it's because I'm tired yet I didn't see which foot you were supporting because you didn't express which foot was injured ? When I'm injured bad I use the cane parallel with my injured side . When my injuries don't hurt so much I use the cane on the opposite side of my bad foot in the triangle method.

[@spiderwebb00]

Which was bad leg?😅

[@barbaravalenzuela7219]

I have a very hard time with a cane? I watch all the videos but here I am not doing good.

[@yourPTguy]

Barbara, I'm sorry to hear that you're having a hard time with the cane! They make many types of canes, some are more sturdy than others. Sometimes, some people need a more sturdy piece of equipment like a walker before they can move to a cane. The best thing to do is find a reputable physical therapist in your area to discover the safest way for you personally. I wish you the best!

[@AlexialexisD]

thank you 🤩

[@yourPTguy]

You're most welcome

[@barrywilliams991]

My right leg is weaker due to sciatic nerve injury. How do I properly use a cane to supplement that leg's loss of strength?

[@AuntieEm294]

How tall should the cane be? How to know which side to use the cane?

[@ronsbrat525]

I've been walking the right way. However he didn't cover which side is best for an injured leg, hip or knee. The same side or opposite side? And what if you're left handed?

[@4WorldPeace2]

"What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, three legs in the evening, and no legs at night?"

[@pervinkapadia2487]

Useful info.

[@yourPTguy]

Pervin, thanks for your feedback. Stay safe 🙂

[@julieseier4201]

I need bottom on the cane too walking

[@chrisbowe4095]

"Triangle" too complicated! Use cane in hand opposite of injury. Height of cane is VERY IMPORTANT also. You didn't mention that. And, the difference in the foot of the cane as to the individual need for stability. Canes are not walking sticks. They are meant to "support" & carry some weight.

[@margaretporkolab7166]

What about the length on the cane

[@yourPTguy]

Excellent question. Here's one of my videos answering it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZW8fahtmaenqrM Generally, it's best to have the cane at the person's wrist (or a notch higher) when standing upright.

[@Graeme_Lastname]

And in between the two triangles you're standing on one foot.

[@broadusrollins2463]

Since 2 strokes this will not work for me. My right arm does not work anymore. So I can`t carry anything with me.

[@yourPTguy]

Broadus, I'm sorry to hear that. Many people would love to use a cane but must opt for other devices. But keep striving and stay safe and keep being a great example of hard work 😊

[@cherrymedina3504]

I too, was disappointed he did Not tell us which side to hold the cane when one has a sprained or other pain in ankle or foot . 😢

[@julieseier4201]

You need to come up with something you can do on ice so you don't fall

[@julieseier4201]

With the cane

[@robertchabot5625]

Good information, but you really should specify which leg is the bad one. Someone who has never used a cane before could easily get confused. For not giving that vital information I can only give the video a 3 out of 5.

[@ramgopalkoda7044]

A good lesson 4:27

[@janet91973gm]

What height should your cane and walker be? Which side do you put the cane when you have pain in one leg? If the correct side arm is too painful to use, how do you use the cane using the wrong arm?

[@debralittle1341]

Up to your hip

[@yourPTguy]

Jerna jkt, The height should be at the wrist when someone stands up with a relaxed arm. Typically, the cane should be in the opposite hand of a hurt leg, if someone has been cleared for the use of a cane. You can check out my other cane video which may be helpful as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqSkgWaJh92Ghas Stay safe 😊

[@jeaniespinks4205]

I can’t seem to walk comfortably with cane that low

[@yourPTguy]

Hi Jeanie, the "typical" height range for a cane is around the wrist level but as you mention, there are times when it is helpful to have it at a slightly different height.

[@peterbye82]

The cane is too short it should come to the top of your hip not to the top of the leg . This gives the ability to push down on the stick

[@barbaraholland816]

Show someone how to use one who has an affliction to where standing with good posture is a handicap.

[@yourPTguy]

Thanks for the suggestion, Barbara. Stay safe 😊

[@gordbaker896]

Move the cane with the opposite leg.

[@JanNasir-s6f]

Me as well

[@robertbutler8004]

Why not show us the correct way to use toilet paper that might be more interesting?

[@Philobiblion]

Any such implement that does not have a large foot on it and which has a straight, 90 degree handle, or a knob (no handle) is a STICK. If it has a crooked handle it is a cane. Don't call my stick a cane.

[@dnixon205]

I use a cane but I say do what works for you. It takes the pressure off my bad knee, so that serves the purpose.

[@yourPTguy]

I'm glad you're helping that knee. Thanks for the feedback. Stay safe and independent 😊

[@kittys.2870]

My daughter sets her cane 'behind' her.

[@osbornlim630]

Going down stairs?

[@madeloncalejesan6346]

it's for my self defense bro

[@yourPTguy]

Madelon, excellent additional use of a cane! I think I saw some cane self defense videos out there. I would only be a level 1 in self defense with a cane though, hah. Perhaps I can master it.

[@cdnsilverdaddy]

Wrong

[@nanidogmomstevens6386]

😊👍🇺🇸👈

[@KimMoye-kr9uw]

Stop

[@ChristopherJohnson-q5d]

👨🏿‍🦯no📖

[@julieseier4201]

Not ice with a cane or walker

[@julieseier4201]

You will fall

[@valeriehogg3796]

Stick too short

[@helmijohnson5079]

Unless it is a wood cane, most metal canes are adjustable. Hand grip at wrist height.

[@timbuktu8069]

On the other hand: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2K8o3eVns13iZY

[@JulieFobair-ub1if]

Found nothing helpful at all

[@johnnyobigcatdaddy]

I for one use a cane, and cannot move my left leg past my right when I step, so your triangle method is not useful to all people, I'm sur there ar more than myself that have the same issue!

[@yourPTguy]

Excellent point. It won't work for those who cannot step through with the other foot whether it's due to arthritis, a muscle imbalance, or a number of other issues. When that's the case, the best that can be done, as you said, is the "step to" pattern where the foot doesn't come past. Either way, the goal is to keep moving 😊. Stay safe and independent 😊